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+-James J. Coyle, Ph.D., Director

Over the past 30 years, James J. Coyle, Ph.D. has held a number of positions in the federal government, including director of Middle East studies at the U.S. Army War College; first secretary for political-military affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Ankara; senior political analyst for Palestinian affairs; and special assistant to the FBI/New York Joint Terrorism Task Force. He is co-author of "Politics of the Middle East: Culture and Conflict" published in December 2003 by Prentice-Hall (Second Edition: 2007.) Dr. Coyle speaks and/or reads Turkish, Persian, and French in various degrees of proficiency. Dr. Coyle received his Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University, his Master's Degree in Public Administration from Temple University, and a Ph.D. in Political Science from George Washington University. His dissertation topic was "Nationalism in Iranian Kurdistan."

+-Kristin Beavers, Associate Director & ISEP Coordinator

Kristin Westervelt Beavers (M.A.) Associate Director, ventured into international education soon after she arrived at Chapman University in 2001. Originally hired to manage academic domestic internships, she soon found herself developing the university’s first stand-alone summer international internship program. One location grew quickly to five sites in Europe and Asia Pacific so she was invited to the Center for Global Education as Assistant Director and program manager for international internships and exchange programs. She sits on the International Council of Advisors for the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), holds membership in NAFSA and Forum on Education Abroad, presents at regional and international conferences, and served on the WIVA subcommittee of NAFSA to develop “Best Practices for Vetting Partners and Developing Opportunities Abroad.” She recently welcomed her first grandson to the world and hopefully to the Chapman class of 2034.

+-Jodi Hicks, Overseas Program Manager

Jodi (Ebner) Hicks (M.A.) has worked in the international education field since 2008. She obtained her Master of Arts in Social and Cultural Analysis of Education from California State University Long Beach in May 2013. She studied abroad twice in London and Thailand as an undergraduate and completed a short-term program in Tanzania while pursuing her Master’s degree. Her previous experience before Chapman includes creating online international education resources and advising students at Loyola Marymount University. She is an active member of NAFSA and has attended and presented at professional conferences. Jodi enjoys increasing student engagement in overseas education opportunities through advising students, campus presentations, and maintaining the CGE website. She brings a passion for improving the student experience by collaborating to implementing best practices and creating new initiatives in the Center for Global Education. She has traveled to many parts of the world including Asia, Latin America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Her most favorite and versatile item she brings on any international trip is a sarong.

+-Jean Lawson, Travel Course & International Internship Manager

Jean Lawson joined the Center for Global Education in 2011 after working in the Career Development Center. She brings expertise in the areas of student relations, office management, financial analysis, development of organizational procedures, guidelines and customer service. Before coming to Chapman University, she worked in business, financial accounting, and provided administrative support to corporate executives. Jean received an Associate of Arts degree in Accounting, and Business Administration degree in Marketing from California State University, Fullerton. Furthering her commitment to personal growth and development, she acquired a Master of Arts Degree in Organizational Leadership from Chapman with a Certificate in Organizational Development. Jean’s natural ability to collaborate and build relationships with colleagues allows her to effectively meet the needs of students, providers, faculty, staff and parents within our community. Outside of work? She loves to SUP, power walk, paint with watercolors and travel!

+-Susan Sams, Specialist, International Student & Scholar Services

Susan Sams has worked in the field of international education for 30 years. Susan currently serves as the Principal Designated Officer (F visa holders) and Responsible Officer (J visa holders) for Chapman University. A graduate from Texas Tech University and an active member of NAFSA, Susan continues to serve our international student and scholar population with compassion and commitment. Susan won the 2013 Diversity and Equity Award-Global Citizenship Award. This award is presented to a Chapman University community member who embodies what it means to be a global citizen through academic and/or co-curricular efforts focused on furthering positive social change internationally.

+-Loren Lee Diaz, Applications Coordinator

Loren Lee Diaz has been a Chapman panther since 2007 and graduated in the class of 2011 with a B.S. in Business Administration (emphasis in Marketing) and minor in Public Relations. She is currently an MBA Candidate with the George L. Argyros School of Business and Economics. She first worked for the Center for Global Education as a Peer Advisor in 2010. She has studied abroad at the International College of Management, Sydney in Australia. Upon graduation, she boarded a plane to Boston where she joined European Study Abroad (EUSA) Academic Internship Programs as a Marketing and Development Coordinator with the University Relations team. Diaz has experience in finance, accounting, technical operations, digital communications, marketing, and customer service from various roles at Warner Bros. Studios. Her passion for overseas exploration began after she traded her spring break vacation for a Spanish language immersion and homestay program in Málaga, Spain during high school.

+-Junko Takada, Department Assistant

Junko began her career as an English instructor at a private English language school in Japan. Eager to learn more about teaching a second language, she came to the U.S. in 2002 to obtain a TESOL certificate at UCR Extension and later pursed her study at University of Pennsylvania for her Master’s degree in TESOL. After working at several post-secondary institutions for many years, she joins Chapman University to assist International students. She is excited to meet new students and learn about their cultures. She has also lived in Puerto Rico for four years, and has traveled to Venezuela, Indonesia, Barbados, St. Maarten, France and England.

+-Peer Advisors & Student Assistants

Student Peer Advisors and Assistants at the Center for Global Education will be your first contact when you visit our office. Many Peer Advisors and Student Assistants have studied or traveled abroad. They are happy to answer your questions and explain the steps to do a study abroad, Travel Course, or International Internship program! Stop by to chat with a Peer Advisor any time Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.